After nearly five years of providing affordable streaming solutions, Google has officially ended the era of Chromecast with Google TV. This marks a significant shift in Google's streaming device strategy, moving away from budget-friendly dongles to a more premium streaming experience.
End of an Era for Budget Streaming
The Chromecast with Google TV, which debuted in 2020 as Google's first streaming device with a remote-controlled interface, has been removed from the Google Store. Both the HD model priced at USD 30 and the 4K version at USD 50 are now listed as no longer available. This discontinuation follows Google's earlier announcement of phasing out the devices once existing inventory was depleted.
The New Direction
Google's replacement offering, the Google TV Streamer, represents a significant departure from its predecessor's pricing strategy. At USD 100, the new set-top box costs substantially more than the discontinued models. Google justifies this price point by noting that most modern smart TVs already incorporate the basic functionality found in budget streaming sticks, positioning their new device as a premium alternative.
 |
|---|
| This image reflects the modern tech setup relating to streaming solutions, emphasizing Google's new direction towards premium devices |
Support Continues for Existing Users
Current Chromecast with Google TV owners need not worry about immediate obsolescence. Google has committed to maintaining software support and updates for existing devices. An Android 14 update is still planned for both HD and 4K models, though the last update these devices received was a security patch in November 2024. However, future updates may not include all the features available in the newer Android TV 14 platform.
Market Availability
While the devices are no longer available through Google's direct channels, some third-party retailers may still have remaining stock. However, this inventory is expected to deplete quickly, marking the definitive end of Google's budget streaming device era. The transition reflects Google's strategic shift toward more feature-rich, higher-priced streaming solutions in an increasingly competitive market.